Sipping lid closure device and method of use

ABSTRACT

A stopper for a beverage container lid having a drinking aperture (sipping hole). The stopper has a plug portion that can be inserted into the drinking aperture to stop any fluid from flowing out. It also has a flange portion that prevents the plug portion from passing through the aperture, and also facilitates handling and placement of the stopper and it has a retainer comprising one or more protuberances extending from the plug portion. In use, the stopper is inserted into the aperture to prevent spillage and heat loss from the container. The retainer passes beyond the lid so as to prevent inadvertent dislodgement of the stopper. The stopper is removed to allow consumption of the beverage.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention pertains generally to beverage containers, andmore particularly to a stopper that may be used to selectively plug thesip hole in the lid of a beverage container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For the convenience of customers who are on the go, coffee and otherbeverages are sold in plastic or paper containers. To prevent spillageand heat loss, a removable plastic lid is available to cover thecontainer. Some of these lids have a small sip hole through which thebeverage may be consumed while the lid is in place on the container.Even though the sip hole is small, accidental spills and heat loss canstill occur.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a stopper for selectively pluggingthe sip hole aperture in a beverage container lid so that accidentalspills and heat loss are avoided. When a user is not sipping thebeverage, the stopper is inserted into the sip hole. The stopper maylater be removed to continue consumption of the beverage.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a stopperfor a beverage container having a lid having a sip hole includes (1) aplug portion which is shaped and dimensioned to be received by the siphole, (2) a flange portion connected to the plug portion for preventingthe stopper from passing through the sip hole and to facilitate handlingof the stopper and (3) a retainer comprising at least one protuberanceextending from the plug portion a selected distance from the flangeportion.

When inserted into the sip hole, the retainer passes beyond thethickness of the lid to retain the stopper in place, but allows it to beremoved when pulled out.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art beverage container having aremovable lid;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of area 2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged top view of a stopper in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the stopper;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged bottom view of the stopper;

FIG. 5A is an enlarged bottom view of an alternative of the stopper;

FIG. 5B is an enlarged bottom view of an alternative of the stopper;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged end elevation view of the stopper;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the stopper;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the beverage container with the stopperpositioned to be inserted into the aperture in the lid;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the beverage container with the stopperinserted into the aperture in the lid;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view along the line 12-12 of FIG.11;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an enlarged bottom view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged end view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view along line 17-17 of FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a cross sectional view along line 18-18 of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 19 is an enlarged top view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring initially to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a perspective viewof a prior art beverage container 500 having a removable lid 502. Lid502 is typically made of plastic, and is shaped so that it snugly fitsaround the rim of container 500. In one commonly used configuration lid502 has a ring-shaped plateau 503 which has an aperture 504 called a“sip hole” through which the beverage contents of container 500 may besipped. There are different configurations of such lids; for purposes ofthe present invention, the key element being the presence of a sippinghole. The configuration shown is used for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged top plan view of area 2 of FIG. 1 showing theaperture 50A. In the shown embodiment aperture 504 comprises anelongated oval (race track shape), having a length l of about 0.41inches and a width w of about 0.18 inches. It may be appreciated howeverthat aperture 504 could have different dimensions, and also other shapessuch as circular, rectangular, square, triangular, oval, hexagonal, etc.

Now referring to FIGS. 3-6, and 9 there are illustrated enlarged top,enlarged side elevation, enlarged bottom, enlarged end elevation, andenlarged perspective views respectively of a stopper for a beveragecontainer lid 502 in accordance with the present invention, the stoppergenerally designated as 20. In an embodiment of the invention, stopper20 is fabricated from a plastic (polymeric) material (for examplepolystyrene RCYL6). Stopper 20 includes a plug portion 22 which isshaped and dimensioned to be received by aperture 504 in lid 502 (referto FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein plug portion 22 may be removably insertedinto aperture 504 to block the flow of the beverage therethrough. In theshown embodiment, plug portion 22 is shaped and dimensioned to fit intothe elongated oval aperture 504 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. That is, whenviewed from the bottom as in FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B, plug portion 22 has anelongated oval shape. However, it may be appreciated that plug portion22 could also be shaped and dimensioned to fit any other apertureconfigurations such as circular, rectangular, square, triangular, oval,hexagonal, etc. In an embodiment of the invention, plug 22 is slightlylarger than aperture 504 so that plug 22 snugly fits into aperture 504.In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22 has a length dimension L and awidth dimension W. For a very secure fit each of these dimensions can beslightly larger than the mating dimension of the lid 502. In a preferredconfiguration the length L is equal to or slightly smaller than themating dimension of the lid 502. By making the length L slightly smallerthan the mating dimension of the lid, when the stopper is squeezedacross the width dimension, the plug will slightly expand in the lengthdimension. A clearance of 1/128″ on each end of the length L will allowthe necessary expansion room when the plug width is pinched to remove.The extra space will allow easy removal of the stopper. In a preferredconfiguration the width dimension W is equal to or slightly larger thanthe mating dimension of the lid. Measuring a commonly used oval shapedlid opening 504 as shown a good set of dimensions for the plug 22 is alength L of about 0.43 inches, a width W of about 0.20 inches, and aheight H of about 0.29 inches. The opposed walls of the plug 22 can beparallel, or they can diverge from the bottom to the top (where theyconnect to the flange 36), so as to progressively more securely closethe aperture. Since many such lids are made of thin plastic they willbend to allow insertion when the plug is larger in any dimension thanthe mating dimension of the aperture.

It can therefore be appreciated that the shape and fit of the plug 22should have such relationship to the aperture 50 as to act as a stopper,that is, the prevent spillage and heat loss.

Plug portion 22 has distal surfaces 24 which are rounded. The roundingfacilitates insertion of plug portion 22 into aperture 504. In the shownembodiment, plug portion 22 has a side profile that includes a firstsemi-circular shape (refer to FIG. 4). Plug portion also has an endprofile that includes a second semi-circular shape, smaller than thefirst semicircular shape (refer to FIG. 6).

A retainer extends from plug portion 22, protruding from it on one orboth sides, and holds plug portion 22 in aperture 504 againstdislodgement. The retainer is a protuberance that is spaced a selecteddistance below the flange so that the lid thickness is captured betweenthe flange and the retainer. In the shown embodiment, plug portion 22has a first side 28 and an opposite second side 30. The retainerincludes a first protuberance 32 disposed on first side 28, and a secondprotuberance 34 disposed on second side 30. However, it is noted thatonly one protuberance 32 could also be utilized. First and secondprotuberances 32 and 34 hold stopper 20 in place within aperture 504(refer to FIG. 12 and the discussion pertaining thereto). In the shownembodiment of FIG. 5, first and second protuberances 32 and 34 are halfdome shaped knobs. It may be appreciated that even if plug portion 22 isthe same size or even slightly smaller than sip hole 504, first andsecond protuberances 32 and 34 will still hold stopper 20 in sip hole504. Shapes other than the half dome shaped knobs of FIG. 5 could alsobe utilized. FIG. 5A shows first and second protuberances 32 a and 34 ain the shape of flat ridges while in FIG. 5B the first and secondprotuberances 32 b and 34 b are in the shape of curved ridges. Theseshapes are exemplary as various shapes could be selected so long as theshape retains the plug against inadvertent dislodgement while allowingconvenience of use in inserting and removing the stopper.

Stopper 20 further includes a flange portion 36 which is connected toplug portion 22 at its upper end. Flange portion 36 prevents plugportion 22 from passing through aperture 504, and also facilitateshandling of stopper 20. In the shown embodiment, flange portion 36includes a disc, wherein plug portion 22 is disposed on the disc andprojects from it. It is noted however that flange portion 36 could haveother shapes such as square, rectangular, triangular, oval, hexagonal,or other shape (see FIGS. 13-19). In the shown embodiment, flangeportion 36 has a thickness T of about 0.04 inches, which is also thethickness of plug portion 22 (refer to FIG. 8). Flange portion 36 alsohas a diameter D of about 0.63 inches.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view along the line 7-7 of FIG. 3. In theshown embodiment stopper 20 is fabricated from a formed polymer sheetand plug portion 22 is hollow.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view along the line 8-8 of FIG. 3 showingthe retainer (protuberances 32 and 34).

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of beverage container 500 with stopper 20positioned to be inserted into aperture 504 in lid 502.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of beverage container 500 with stopper 20inserted into aperture 504 in lid 502.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross sectional view along the line 12-12 of FIG.11. It is noted that when plug portion 22 is inserted into aperture 504,lid 502 is disposed between the retainer (protuberances 32 and 34) andflange portion 36 of stopper 20, so that the stopper 20 is held in theinserted position. It is further noted that flange portion 36 extendsoutwardly from ring-shaped plateau 503 so that stopper 20 may beconveniently lifted out of sip hole 504 by pulling up.

As shown in FIG. 12, the first and second protuberances 32 and 34 (andsimilarly those shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B) should be spaced below theflange 36 a distance such that the thickness of the lid 500 at the siphole 504 will be captured between them, but not so great as to allow alot of movement. It is appreciated that the flexibility of the lid willallow some movement and bending as the stopper is inserted, allowing theretainers to pass through the sip hole as the stopper is inserted. Atactile response will result when the retainers pass through the siphole. As noted above, for a very secure fit and seal, the plug can beslightly larger than than the sip hole; but it need not be. In any casethe retainer(s) must extend beyond the mating dimension of the sip holeso as to effectively act to retain the stopper in place.

FIGS. 13-18 show another embodiment of the invention. In this embodimentthe flange is in the shape of a tab 40 and as shown the plug portion 22is solid, although it could be hollow as shown in FIGS. 3, 9 and 12.Also any of the alternative configurations of the retainerprotuberance(s) as described above can be used, the half dome shape 32,34 being shown. The tab 40 extends laterally on one side of the stopper20. FIG. 19 shows another alternative in which the tab 42 extendssidewise of the stopper 20.

When used together, the prior art beverage container 500 and the stopper20 of the present invention combine to form a system for transport anddrinking a beverage.

In terms of use, a method for blocking the flow of a beverage from abeverage container 500 includes:

(a) providing a beverage container 500 having a lid 502, lid 502 havingan aperture 504 through which a beverage may be consumed;

(b) providing a beverage disposed within beverage container 500;

(c) providing a removable stopper 20 having a plug portion 22 shaped anddimensioned to be received by aperture 504, a flange portion 36connected to plug portion 22, and a retainer connected to plug portion22; and,

(d) inserting plug portion 22 of stopper 20 into aperture 504 of lid 502so that lid 502 is disposed between the retainer and flange portion 36to prevent spillage of the beverage and heat loss.

The method further including:

in step (c), flange portion 36 including a disc, wherein plug portion 22is disposed upon the disc and projects from it.

The method further including:

in step (c), plug portion 22 having a first side 28 and an oppositesecond side 30, and the retainer including a first protuberance 34disposed on first side 28.

The method further including:

in step (c), the retainer including a second protuberance 34 disposed onsecond side 30.

The method further including:

(e) pulling up on flange portion 34 to remove stopper 20 from sip hole504.

In the method, all the configurations of the lid and the stopperdescribed above may be employed

The preferred embodiments of the invention described herein areexemplary and numerous modifications, variations, and rearrangements canbe readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which areintended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims.

The foregoing Detailed Description of exemplary and preferredembodiments is presented for purposes of illustration and disclosure inaccordance with the requirements of the law. It is not intended to beexhaustive nor to limit the invention to the precise form(s) described,but only to enable others skilled in the art to understand how theinvention may be suited for a particular use or implementation. Thepossibility of modifications and variations will be apparent topractitioners skilled in the art. No limitation is intended by thedescription of exemplary embodiments which may have included tolerances,feature dimensions, specific operating conditions, engineeringspecifications, or the like, and which may vary between implementationsor with changes to the state of the art, and no limitation should beimplied therefrom. This disclosure has been made with respect to thecurrent state of the art, but also contemplates advancements and thatadaptations in the future may take into consideration of thoseadvancements, namely in accordance with the then current state of theart. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by theClaims as written and equivalents as applicable. Reference to a claimelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless explicitly so stated. Moreover, no element, component, nor methodor process step in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to thepublic regardless of whether the element, component, or step isexplicitly recited in the Claims. No claim element herein is to beconstrued under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. Sec. 112, sixth paragraph,unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for . .. ” and no method or process step herein is to be construed under thoseprovisions unless the step, or steps, are expressly recited using thephrase “step(s) for . . . ”

1. A stopper for a beverage container having a lid, the lid having athickness and an aperture through which a beverage may be consumed, saidstopper comprising: a plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be receivedby the aperture; a flange portion connected to said plug portion at anupper end of the plug portion; and, at least one retainer comprising aprotuberance extending from the plug portion; and spaced a selecteddistance below the flange portion said distance being at least equal tothe thickness of the lid; wherein said plug portion may be removablyinserted into the aperture by inserting the stopper portion into theaperture until the at least one retainer passes the lid so that the lidis disposed between the retainer and the flange portion, thereby toblock the flow of the beverage through the aperture.
 2. The stopperaccording to claim 1, further wherein said flange portion comprises anextended element having at least a portion extending away from theperimeter of the plug portion a distance of at least twice the thicknessof the plug portion.
 3. The stopper according to claim 2, furtherwherein said flange portion having a shape selected from the groupconsisting of: a disc substantially centrally located with respect tosaid plug portion; a tab extending sideways of the plug portion; and atab extending endwise of the plug portion; wherein said plug portionprojects outwardly from said flange portion.
 4. The stopper according toclaim 1, further wherein said stopper is shaped to match the shape ofthe aperture.
 5. The stopper according to claim 4, further including:said plug portion having a first side and an opposite second side; and,said retainer including a first protuberance disposed on said firstside.
 6. The stopper according to claim 5, further including: saidretainer including a second protuberance disposed on said second side.7. The stopper according to claim 1, further including: said plugportion having distal surfaces, said distal surfaces being rounded. 8.The stopper according to claim 7, further including: said plug portionhaving a side profile, said side profile including a first semi-circularshape; and, said plug portion having an end profile, said end profileincluding a second semi-circular shape, smaller than said firstsemicircular shape.
 9. The stopper according to claim 1, furtherincluding: when viewed from the bottom, said plug portion having anelongated oval shape.
 10. The stopper according to claim 1 in which theplug portion has at least one dimension that is greater than the matingdimension of the aperture.
 11. The stopper of claim of claim 10 in whichthe plug portion has a thickness dimension from a first side to a secondside and the thickness is larger than a mating dimension of theaperture.
 12. A method for blocking the flow of a beverage from anaperture in a beverage container, comprising: (a) providing a beveragecontainer having a lid, said lid having a thickness and an aperturethrough which a beverage may be consumed; (b) providing a stopper havinga plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be received in said aperture, aflange portion connected to said plug portion at an upper end thereof,and a retainer comprising a protuberance extending from said plugportion and spaced a selected distance from said flange portion at leastequal to said thickness; and, (c) inserting said plug portion of saidstopper into said aperture of said lid so that said lid is disposedbetween said retainer and said flange portion.
 13. The method of claim12, further including: in step (b), said flange portion having a shapeselected from the group consisting of; an extended piece having at leasta portion extending away from the perimeter of the plug portion at leasttwice the thickness of the plug portion a disc; a tab extending sidewaysof the plug portion; and a tab extending endwise of the plug portion;wherein said plug portion is outwardly from the flange portion it. 14.The method of claim 12, further including: in step (b), said plugportion having a first side and an opposite second side, and saidretainer including a first protuberance disposed on said first side. 15.The method of claim 14, further including: in step (b), said retainerincluding a second protuberance disposed on said second side.
 16. Themethod of claim 12, further including: (e) pulling up on said flangeportion to remove said stopper from said sip hole.
 17. The method ofclaim 12 further including providing a beverage disposed within saidbeverage container.
 16. A system for drinking a beverage, comprising: abeverage container having a lid, the lid having a thickness and anaperture through which the beverage may be consumed; a stoppercomprising; a plug portion shaped and dimensioned to be received by theaperture; a flange portion connected to said plug portion at an upperend of the plug portion; and, at least one retainer comprising aprotuberance extending from the plug portion; and spaced a selecteddistance below the flange portion said distance being at least equal tothe thickness of the lid; wherein said plug portion may be removablyinserted into the aperture by inserting the stopper portion into theaperture until the at least one retainer passes the lid so that the lidis disposed between the retainer and the flange portion, thereby toblock the flow of the beverage through the aperture.